Mavericks CEO’s Unexpected Reaction to ‘Fire Nico’ Chants Revealed

The fallout in Dallas continues. 

Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts and GM Nico Harrison addressed the media on Tuesday in a private roundtable with select reporters—marking their latest effort to manage the fallout from the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers.

The session, which banned cameras and recording devices, finally gave fans a clearer view of the front office’s thinking—and their response to the rising backlash.

Since the trade, angry chants of “Fire Nico” have echoed through American Airlines Center. 

Fans have shown up with protest signs, flooded social media, and demanded accountability. But Harrison remains firm in his decision to strike a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

“There’s no regrets on the trade,” he said during the discussion according to CBS News. “Part of it is doing the best thing for the Mavs.”

Harrison acknowledged Doncic's talent and the impact he had in Dallas but doubled down on his belief that moving on was the right call for the franchise’s long-term future.

Welts, who joined the Mavericks as CEO earlier this year, took a more emotional tone when speaking about the fan reaction.

“In 47 years in the NBA, I’ve never seen a more passionate fanbase than Dallas,” Welts said. “We hear them. It’s on us to win back their trust. This story is unfinished. We understand the pain.”